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CNC Machining Blog

The YuanYi blog shares practical knowledge from our day-to-day experience in CNC machining and precision manufacturing. We write to help engineers, designers, and buyers better understand materials, machining methods, tolerances, surface finishes, and part design, making it easier to plan projects and make better manufacturing decisions.

Comparison of a CNC machine using a standard vise and custom tooling to hold and position a machined aluminum part.
What Is Tooling in Manufacturing? Types, Examples & Applications

Tooling in manufacturing refers to the tools, fixtures, molds, and other equipment used to make parts...

Cross-sectional comparison of a blind hole and a through hole showing hole depth, drill point angle, and hole exit.
What Is a Blind Hole? Types, Dimensions & Machining Guidelines

A blind hole is a hole that does not go all the way through a part....

CNC milling machine cutting a metal workpiece with a rotating cutting tool and metal chips
What Is CNC Cutting? How Do CNC Machines Cut Metal?

CNC cutting is a computer-controlled manufacturing process in which cutting tools, laser beams, plasma arcs, or...

Side-by-side comparison of a CNC router, CNC milling machine, and CNC lathe used for machining metal parts
Which CNC Machine Is Best for Metal Parts? Mill vs. Lathe vs. Router

The short answer: choose a CNC mill for precision parts with non-rotational geometries, a CNC lathe...

Dual-spindle CNC router cutting aluminum plates with rotating tools and metal chips
Can a CNC Router Cut Metal? Aluminum vs. Steel Explained

Yes, a CNC router can cut metal, but there are limits. Softer metals such as aluminum,...

Transition metals periodic table infographic showing the d-block elements and their common applications
What Are Transition Metals? Properties, Examples & Uses

Transition metals are metallic elements found mainly in the d-block of the periodic table. They have...

Precision CNC machining setup for large parts showing machine access, workholding and inspection planning
Machining Large Parts: CNC Processes, Setup, Accuracy & Inspection

Machining large parts requires more than a CNC machine with enough travel. As part size increases,...

5-axis toolholder and cutting tool selection balancing reach, rigidity and machining clearance
5-Axis Toolholders and Cutting Tools: How to Balance Reach, Rigidity, and Clearance

In 5-axis machining, the best toolholder is not simply the shortest, longest, or most rigid option....

5-axis CNC setup showing rigid workholding, tool access, alignment and rotary clearance
5-Axis CNC Setup: Workholding, Alignment, and Accuracy

A reliable 5-axis CNC setup must hold the workpiece securely while keeping enough clearance for the...

5-axis CAM simulation checking toolpaths and collision risks before CNC machining
How 5-Axis CAM Simulation Prevents Tool Collisions

5-axis CAM simulation helps prevent machining collisions by checking tool movements, holder clearance, fixture positions, and...

CNC machining cost factors including material, setup, machining, inspection, and finishing
How Much Does CNC Machining Cost? Pricing Factors & Examples

CNC machining cost depends on material selection, part geometry, machining time, setup requirements, tolerances, and order...

CNC chatter comparison showing stable milling and vibration marks on an aluminum machined wall
CNC Chatter: Causes, Chatter Marks & How to Reduce Vibration

CNC chatter is an unstable vibration that occurs between the cutting tool and workpiece during machining....

Common types of non-ferrous metals including aluminum, copper, brass, bronze, titanium, magnesium and nickel alloy
What Are Non-Ferrous Metals? Types, Properties & Applications

Non-ferrous metals are metals and alloys in which iron is not the primary base metal. Common...

Engineering composite materials including carbon fiber, fiberglass, metal matrix and ceramic composites
What Is a Composite Material? Types, Properties, Examples & Uses

A composite material is made by combining two or more different materials to create properties that...

Anodized CNC aluminum parts in black blue and clear finishes
Aluminum Anodizing Guide: Types, Colors, Thickness & CNC Design Tips

Aluminum anodizing is an electrochemical surface treatment that converts the outer surface of aluminum into a...

Cast iron vs steel properties differences and CNC machining
Cast Iron vs Steel: Differences, Properties & CNC Machining Guide

Cast iron and steel are both iron-based materials, but they behave very differently in manufacturing and...

Galvanized steel vs aluminum for CNC machining
Galvanized Steel vs Aluminum: Which Is Better for CNC Machining?

Galvanized steel generally offers higher stiffness, higher absolute strength, and lower raw material cost. Aluminum is...

Types of gears
Types of Gears: Differences, Applications and How to Choose

Gears transfer motion and power between rotating parts, but different gear types behave very differently. Spur...

Acetal vs Delrin
Acetal vs Delrin: Key Differences, Properties and Machining

Acetal and Delrin are closely related, but they are not exactly the same material. Acetal is...

Sheet Metal Gauge Chart
Sheet Metal Gauge Chart: Steel, Stainless, Aluminum & More

Use the sheet metal gauge charts below to convert common gauge numbers into thickness in inches...

What is aluminum's symbol Al
What Is Aluminum’s Symbol? Chemical Symbol Al Explained

The chemical symbol for aluminum is Al, and its atomic number is 13. The symbol uses...

What is the softest metal cesium comparison
What Is the Softest Metal? Properties, Hardness & Comparison

Cesium is generally considered the softest solid metal, with a Mohs hardness of about 0.2. It...

Density of iron
Density of Iron: kg/m³, g/cm³, lb/in³ & Weight Calculation

The density of pure iron is approximately 7.87 g/cm³, equal to 7,870 kg/m³ or about 0.284...

What Are Metalloids
What Are Metalloids? Elements, Properties, and Uses Explained

Metalloids are elements that have properties between metals and nonmetals. They may look metallic, but they...

precision-wood-cutting-tools
Precision Wood Cutting Tools: Your Ultimate Guide to Flawless Results

Discover the ultimate guide to precision wood cutting tools. Explore our curated list of hand and...

carbide-hole-saw-kit
Your Drill’s Missing Link Isn’t Power, It’s the Carbide Hole Saw Kit

Explore the comprehensive guide to carbide holesaws. Learn how to choose a professional carbide hole saw...

CNC machining datum reference showing precision part positioning
What Are Datums in CNC Machining? Definition, Types, and Applications

A datum in CNC machining serves as a theoretical reference point, line, or plane that helps...

CNC machining tolerances inspection using CMM measurement
CNC Machining Tolerances: Standards and Accuracy

Modern CNC machining tolerances are influenced by several factors such as the machine’s performance, the characteristics...

CNC wire EDM machine cutting a metal workpiece in a precision machining workshop
What Is a CNC Wire Cut Machine? Wire EDM Process Explained

Wire EDM is like slowly cutting through a metal material with a “live wire.” Its cutting...

CNC milling center
What Is a CNC Machine Shop?

A CNC machine shop is a manufacturing facility that uses CNC machine tools to produce custom...

Engineer reviewing a CAD model for 5-axis CNC machining design and DFM analysis
How to Design Parts for 5 Axis CNC Machining: Practical DFM Tips

Five-Axis Machining does indeed allow access to parts from multiple angles and reduces the number of...

5-axis CNC programming with CAM toolpaths for complex aluminum part
What Is 5-Axis CNC Programming? Toolpaths, CAM & Simulation

5-axis CNC programming is the process of creating toolpaths for a 5-axis CNC machine. The programmer...

What is Rapid Prototyping
What Is Rapid Prototyping? Methods & CNC Applications

Rapid prototyping plays an important role in the development of products.It allows for the fast production...

What is broaching machining
What Is Broaching Machining? How It Works, Types & Common Applications

In modern mechanical manufacturing, CNC milling and CNC turning are widely known, while broaching machining is...

What Is a CNC Router Machine
What Is a CNC Router Machine? Everything You Need to Know

A CNC router is a machining device that uses computer programs to automatically control the movement...

What Is Electron Beam Machining
What Is Electron Beam Machining? Process, Advantages & Applications

Electron Beam Machining is a high-precision, non-traditional machining process that utilizes the high energy generated by...

What Is Runout in Machining
What Is Runout in Machining? Causes, Effects & How to Reduce It

In CNC machining, even if the machine tool has very high precision, runout in the cutting...

How to Program a CNC Machine
How to Program a CNC Machine: A Beginner’s Guide

CNC programming typically involves creating a CAD model, generating toolpaths in CAM software, outputting G-code, and...

cnc machine that cuts wood and metal
The Ultimate Guide to CNC Machines for Cutting Wood and Metal

Discover the ultimate CNC machine that cuts wood and metal with our comprehensive guide. Learn key...

CNC lathe versus CNC mill comparison showing a turning operation on a shaft and a milling operation on a housing
CNC Lathe vs CNC Mill: Differences, Applications & How to Choose

The main difference between a CNC lathe and a CNC mill is what rotates during machining....

cnc cheap
Affordable Precision: The Complete Guide to CNC Cheap Machines

Discover how to find a quality, cheap CNC milling machine without sacrificing performance. Our complete guide...

cnc small
Unlock Precision with CNC Small Machines: A Comprehensive Guide

Explore the complete guide to small CNC machines. Learn best practices and solutions, from key features...

budget cnc milling machine
Affordable Precision: A Complete Guide to Budget CNC Milling Machines

Discover how to find the perfect affordable CNC milling machine for your workshop with our comprehensive...

mini cnc
Master Precision at Home with a Mini CNC Machine

Explore the complete guide to household mini CNC machines: Learn about key technical specifications, industry applications,...

8 axis cnc machine
8 Axis CNC Machines: What Makes Them Different and Why You Need One

Elevate manufacturing excellence with our guide to 8 Axis CNC machines. Explore key features, industry applications...

high precision cnc router
Maximize Your Production Quality with High Precision CNC Routers

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

used mill
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Used Mill

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

mini mill dro
Maximize Your Mini Mill’s Potential with Digital Readout (DRO) Technology

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

cnc router auto tool changer
CNC Router Auto Tool Changer: Revolutionizing How We Make Parts

Unlock CNC efficiency with our ATC CNC machine guide. Explore CNC router auto tool changer benefits,...

big milling machine
Big Milling Machines: The Backbone of Large-Scale Manufacturing

Explore the ultimate guide to big milling machines. Learn about the key features, industry applications, and...

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